The Helias boys tennis team is ready for the season to begin.
So is Helias coach Margaret Shimkus as the Crusaders open the season today at School of the Osage.
"I'm feeling confident going into the season," Shimkus said. "Osage has been the district champ the last couple years. They've kind of been a thorn in our side, but I think we have strong people. Being able to wear down our opponent because of our accuracy and patience, I think we'll be OK."
Last year's team was loaded with several returners, but the Crusaders bring back just two of their top six players from last season. Still, Shimkus said she has a solid group this season.
"A lot of people had to work out on their own and get to where they needed to be," Shimkus said.
And with several varsity spots available this season, the preseason competition has bred success.
"They worked a little harder in the offseason because of that window," Shimkus said. "But it also means, for me, in the beginning there are a lot of challenge matches."
Returning at the varsity level are juniors Dalton Buschjost and Tristan Grawe. Buschjost was the No. 2 singles player last season and Grawe was No. 6.
"There's a lot of camaraderie," Shimkus said. "They're both juniors, both of them have been varsity since freshman year. They come with a lot of experience and leadership. I do expect big things from them."
The Crusaders will have a handful of returning lettermen with seniors Cance Pool and Jordan Roling, as well as junior Seth Pezley. All three played some varsity matches last season and were top players at the JV level.
"They have a little bit of experience, so they'll definitely be up there as well," Shimkus said.
Also in the mix are the remaining seniors - Jordan Cowell, Sam Verry and Blake Heckman.
Cowell has played all four seasons for the Crusaders and shows a lot of spirit, Shimkus said. Verry is in his second season and has improved his game and Heckman is a newcomer, but he's a left-handed player and has picked up the game quickly.
Another player looking to play some varsity this season is Jacob Cowley.
"He comes in with a little bit more experience than a normal freshman," Shimkus said.
Shimkus said she still has to work on finding the right pairings for doubles. She added Heckman and Verry make a good doubles team, but aside from that, the rest is up in the air.
"Doubles is not totally figured out yet," Shimkus said. "We still are working on chemistry. We've had a lot of singles matches. I know in my head what I think (our doubles teams will be), and I'll start that way, but that could change."
Helias enters the season with 25 players on the roster
"Twenty-five is good," Shimkus said. "You have people with goals who just want to get better and be a good teammate, and you have other ones who their goal is to do something at the end of the season."
Helias will hold its home opener Tuesday at Washington Park against Battle and St. Dominic. The Crusaders were originally scheduled to play just the Spartans, but because Battle only has four tennis players this season, Helias moved up its April 19 match against St. Dominic to Tuesday to get in a full match that night.